Director of Partner Relations

Salary: $70,000.00 Annually

Description

The Director of Partner Relations provides strategic leadership and oversight for building, managing, and sustaining partnerships that advance the philanthropic, educational, and community engagement goals of the Department of Education. The Director leads efforts to secure external funding, develop long-term donor and corporate relationships, and align philanthropic initiatives with departmental priorities.

The position reports directly to the Commissioner of Education and works closely with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen the Department's resource development capacity. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads the design, execution, and management of a comprehensive philanthropy and partnership strategy that supports education initiatives and aligns with the Department's mission and strategic priorities.
• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, community organizations, and government agencies.
• Oversees all aspects of partnership agreements, including planning, implementation, reporting, compliance, and renewal.
• Develops proposals, grant applications, sponsorship packages, and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) that reflect the Department's funding needs and priorities.
• Manages and monitors philanthropic investments, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with applicable legal and fiscal requirements.
• Collaborates with program and fiscal teams to ensure that all philanthropic contributions are properly recorded, tracked, and utilized according to donor intent.
• Prepares comprehensive reports, presentations, and updates for the Commissioner and other senior leaders regarding partnership impact and outcomes.
• Serves as the Department's liaison to philanthropic entities, representing the agency at donor meetings, community events, and partnership forums.
• Leads partner stewardship efforts by implementing recognition programs, impact storytelling, and regular communications that reinforce relationships and encourage continued giving.
• Supports staff and school leaders in identifying and leveraging partnership opportunities that strengthen student success and community engagement.
• Develops and maintains a database of philanthropic partners, tracking contributions, engagement activities, and partnership performance metrics.
• Participates in strategic planning, committee meetings, and cross-departmental initiatives to ensure alignment of philanthropic efforts with educational priorities.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or a related field.

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in philanthropy, partnership development, fundraising, or external relations — including at least one year in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

Position Factors

FACTOR 1 – KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

The position requires comprehensive knowledge of philanthropic management, fundraising strategies, and partnership development, including principles of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The incumbent must possess a strong understanding of grant development, proposal writing, compliance regulations, and financial reporting for public and private funding sources. Proficiency in strategic communication, negotiation, and impact reporting is essential, as is the ability to interpret complex regulations, analyze programmatic data, and use digital tools to manage donor relationships and partnership portfolios. The Director must be skilled at building trust-based relationships with diverse stakeholders while promoting transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes in all partnership endeavors.

FACTOR 2 – SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Director operates under the general supervision of the Commissioner, who provides overall policy direction and guidance on strategic objectives. The incumbent exercises independent judgment in developing strategies, setting priorities, and resolving complex partnership or donor issues. Work is reviewed through reports, presentations, and measurable outcomes to ensure alignment with departmental goals, compliance with regulations, and effective utilization of external resources.

FACTOR 3 - GUIDELINES

Guidelines consist of federal and territorial laws governing philanthropic contributions, ethical fundraising standards, and departmental fiscal management policies. Additional references include memoranda of understanding, donor agreements, and funding regulations established by private and corporate partners. The Director is expected to interpret and adapt these guidelines to the unique context of public education, exercising discretion when precedent is lacking and developing internal procedures that ensure compliance, transparency, and consistency across all philanthropic initiatives.

FACTOR 4 - COMPLEXITY

The work of this position is complex, requiring the integration of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and administrative oversight across multiple funding streams and organizational levels. The Director must balance competing priorities, manage deadlines, and navigate sensitive donor relations while maintaining compliance with governmental and philanthropic standards. The position demands critical thinking and flexibility to address evolving educational needs, negotiate agreements, and anticipate potential challenges that may arise in partnership development or resource allocation.

FACTOR 5 – SCOPE AND EFFECT

The scope of the position extends across all divisions of the Department, impacting both internal operations and external partnerships. The Director's work directly affects the Department's ability to attract and sustain philanthropic investments, implement innovative programs, and deliver high-quality educational services. Successful performance enhances the Department's public image, increases financial stability, and fosters meaningful collaborations that benefit students, educators, and communities throughout the Virgin Islands. Ineffective performance could result in lost funding opportunities, weakened stakeholder confidence, and diminished program outcomes.

FACTOR 6 – PERSONAL CONTACTS

Personal contacts are extensive and varied, encompassing the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, Division Directors, school administrators, fiscal staff, and program managers within the Department, as well as representatives of foundations, corporations, government agencies, and community organizations. The position also involves regular interaction with donors, legislators, and members of the media, often in situations requiring discretion, professionalism, and tact.

FACTOR 7 – PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

The purpose of these contacts is to develop and maintain strategic relationships that advance educational and philanthropic objectives. The Director collaborates with internal stakeholders to align programs with funding priorities, negotiates partnership agreements with external entities, and communicates the Department's vision to potential donors and sponsors. Many interactions involve persuading others to commit financial or in-kind resources, resolving complex issues, and representing the Department's interests in high-level meetings or public forums.

FACTOR 8 – PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is primarily sedentary and performed in a standard office environment. The incumbent must be able to sit or stand for extended periods, use a computer for long durations, and manage multiple communications simultaneously. Occasional travel is required for site visits, partnership meetings, and public events. Physical exertion is minimal, but the position may require lifting light materials such as presentation equipment or promotional items.

FACTOR 9 – WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment is typically an office setting with adequate lighting, temperature, and ventilation. The position requires flexibility to attend events, meetings, or community activities outside regular working hours. The nature of the work may involve moderate stress due to tight deadlines, public visibility, and the need to manage competing priorities among stakeholders. The Director is expected to maintain professionalism and composure under pressure while fostering a collaborative and mission-driven work culture.